Pieces from noted collection up for auction Saturday in Dartmouth

Thursday

Jul 26, 2012 at 12:01 AMJul 26, 2012 at 12:55 PM

Walking into Alfred J. Walker's historic summer home is much like walking through a museum. Original pieces of art adorn the walls. Historical trinkets grace the shelves. And outside, antique garden decorations can be found among the exotic flowers and trees.

JENALINA SANTIAGO

DARTMOUTH — Walking into Alfred J. Walker's historic summer home is much like walking through a museum. Original pieces of art adorn the walls. Historical trinkets grace the shelves. And outside, antique garden decorations can be found among the exotic flowers and trees.

But unlike the exhibits in a museum, the treasures in Walker's home will be up for sale.

This Saturday, Marion Antique Auctions will stage one of the most impressive auctions on the SouthCoast this year at Walker's home.

"It's on the same level of a Sotheby's or a Christie's," said Marion Antique Auctions manager Frank McNamee; members of the general public will have the chance to bid on approximately 450 rare items.

A prolific art collector, Walker is the owner of a prestigious gallery on Newbury Street in Boston. He is also a fine arts dealer, horticulturist, arborist, and philanthropist. What drove him to part with the rarities he has amassed?

"I'm 74 years old," Walker said, "I've enjoyed these items for a long time and now it's time for someone else to enjoy them."

Walker also said he simply has "collected so much stuff," and with Seathrift recently entering the housing market, he needs to "downsize" his collection.

One of the artworks, a bronze Sonambient sounding sculpture by Harry Bertoia, is expected to be one of the top lots in the sale. A 19th-century stick barometer by William Taber of New Bedford and a set of leather-bound books including "The History of Indian Tribes" are just some pieces of local and regional history that will be offered. And a silver flatware set by Tiffany in the English king pattern is one of the many elegant items up for auction.

A prolific art collector, Walker is the owner of a prestigious gallery on Newbury Street in Boston. He is also a fine arts dealer, horticulturist, arborist, and philanthropist.

Walker's home, named "Seathrift," contains objects Walker collected over the course of 50 years. It has been a popular attraction for gardening enthusiasts and publications, as well as the site for fundraisers by organizations such as the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House, and the New Bedford Art Museum.

Walker attained the five-acre property back in 1989. It is large enough for the two tents that have been set up on the lawn, under which a majority of the items will be shown.

The auction is free to attend and there will be two free viewing events beforehand. Those interested can view the collection this Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Auctioning will begin at 11 a.m. and online bids can be made on LiveAuctioneers.com.

Seathrift is located at 288 Russells Mills Road. For directions or more information, visit www.marionantiquauctions.com or call (508) 498-7136.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.